Nebulizer

ABSTRACT

A nebulizer for nebulizing a liquid from a container is proposed. The nebulizer comprises a liquid pump for withdrawing the liquid in doses from the container and pressurizing the respective doses for nebulization. The nebulizer comprises in addition an air pump for temporarily pressurizing the liquid in the container to help withdrawing the liquid from a collapsible bag in the container.

The present invention relates to a nebulizer.

WO 2009/047173 A2 discloses a nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid. Acontainer can be inserted into the nebulizer. The container comprises arigid outer casing and a bag containing multiple doses of the fluid. Thecontainer or its casing is vented so that the bag can collapse whenwithdrawing fluid.

WO 2010/094305 A1 discloses a nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid. Acontainer can be inserted into the nebulizer. The container comprises arigid outer casing and a collapsible bag containing multiple doses ofthe fluid. In order to avoid any undesired formation of vapor or gasbubbles in the bag when withdrawing fluid form the bag, the containercan be pressurized by gas pressure in the casing to facilitatecollapsing of the bag and withdrawal of fluid. However, thispressurization may lead to undesired leakage from the container duringnon-use, even if an additional valve is provided between the containerand a pressure generator or fluid pump of the nebulizer. Further, thepressurization may significantly vary due to significant increase of thegas volume during fluid withdrawal and, thus, result in significantvariation of the respectively withdrawn doses of fluid.

The container may be constructed as described in WO 96/06011 A1 or WO00/49988 A2.

Object of the present invention is to provide a nebulizer whereinwithdrawal/sucking of fluid or liquid from the container is facilitated,while undesired leakage during non-use can be prevented or minimized,and/or wherein the withdrawn drawn doses of fluid or liquid can be kepthighly constant (in particular, for successive/repeated withdrawals ofdoses from the container) and/or precise metering is supported, and/orwherein it can be prevented the formation or growing of any gas bubblein the fluid or liquid.

The above object is achieved by a nebulizer according to claim 1.Preferred embodiments are subject of the subclaims.

The present invention relates to a nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid orliquid, preferably a liquid medicament, from a preferably replaceablecontainer containing the fluid or liquid in particular in an innercontainer of variable (collapsible) volume, most preferably in acollapsible bag. Preferably, the nebulizer comprises a housing partwhich can be detached or opened for replacing the container. Preferably,the nebulizer comprises a liquid pump and/or pressure generator fordrawing the fluid or liquid (in particular a metered dose of fluid orliquid) from the container. In particular, the container containsmultiple doses of the fluid or liquid.

According to the present invention, the nebulizer comprises an air pumpconnectable to the container for temporarily pressurizing the fluid orliquid in the container and/or for temporarily pumping air into thecontainer to help withdrawal of the fluid or liquid. This allows a verysimple construction of the air pump separately from the container.

Preferably, the container comprises an inner container (which isflexible/collapsible, preferably in form of a collapsible bag) and asurrounding more rigid structure like a casing and/or shell. Preferably,the air pump is pneumatically connectable to a space between thecasing/shell and the inner container/bag.

Preferably, the air pump pressurizes the bag of the container (or theinner container) and the fluid or liquid in the container onlytemporarily, in particular only when the nebulizer is cocked ortensioned or loaded (i.e. readied for nebulizing a dose of fluid) and/orwhen liquid is drawn out of the container. Thus, any undesired leakageof fluid from the container can be prevented or at least minimizedand/or any (additional) valve between the container and the liquid pumpor pressure generator of the nebulizer can be avoided. This allows asimple construction.

Further, the temporary pressurization of the fluid or bag of thecontainer can prevent the formation or growing of any gas bubble withinthe fluid. This supports precise metering and/or allows minimization orreduction of the total volume of fluid initially provided in thecontainer.

Preferably, the air pump is arranged in, fastened to or formed by thehousing part of the nebulizer that can be detached or opened forinserting or replacing the container.

Preferably, the container is moveable relative to the air pump duringtensioning or cocking or loading the nebulizer or withdrawing a dose offluid from the container and/or during nebulizing or dispensing a doseof fluid. This relative container movement is preferably used foractuating the air pump and/or for only temporarily pressurizing thefluid in the container and/or only temporarily connecting the air pumpto the container (preferably, the air pump is not connected to thecontainer in a non-tensioned or non-loaded state of the nebulizer). Thisallows a very simple and reliable construction.

Preferably, the air pump is fluidically connectable to a bottom or axialend of the container, preferably opposite to a fluid outlet of thecontainer and/or via a venting hole of the container. This allows a verysimple construction or integration in known nebulizers.

Preferably, the air pump comprises or is formed by a bellows. Thisallows a very simple realization.

Further advantages, features, characteristics and aspects of the presentinvention will become apparent from the claims and the followingdescription of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. Itshows:

FIG. 1 a schematic section of a nebulizer according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention in a non-tensioned state;

FIG. 2 a schematic section, rotated 90° compared with FIG. 1, of thenebulizer in a tensioned state; and

FIG. 3 a schematic section of a preferred embodiment of a container ofthe nebulizer.

In the Figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical orsimilar parts, resulting preferably in corresponding or comparableproperties and advantages, even if the associated description is notrepeated.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a nebulizer 1 according to the present invention foratomizing a liquid 2, particularly a highly effective pharmaceuticalcomposition, medicament or the like, diagrammatically shown in anon-tensioned state (FIG. 1) and in a cocked or tensioned state (FIG.2). The nebulizer 1 is constructed in particular as a portable inhalerand preferably operates only mechanical and/or propellant free.

When the liquid 2, preferably a pharmaceutical composition, isnebulized, an aerosol 14 (FIG. 1) is formed or dispensed, which can bebreathed in or inhaled by a user. Usually the inhaling is done at leastonce a day, more particularly several times a day, preferably at setintervals, depending on the complaint or illness from which a patient issuffering.

The nebulizer 1 is provided with or comprises or adapted to receive aninsertable or replaceable container 3 containing the liquid 2. Thecontainer 3 thus forms a reservoir for the liquid 2, which is to benebulized.

The container 3 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 only schematically and in thesection of FIG. 3 in more detail.

Preferably, the container 3 contains multiple doses of liquid 2 oractive substance in particular sufficient to provide at least 100 or 150and/or up to 200 or more dosage units or doses, for example, i.e. toallow at least 100 and/or up to 200 sprays or applications. Thecontainer 3 holds preferably a volume of about 0.5 to 20 ml.

Preferably, the container 3 is constructed as described in WO 96/06011A2 and/or WO 00/49988 A2.

Further, the number of doses contained in the container 3 and/or thetotal volume of the liquid 2 contained in the container 3 can varydepending on the liquid 2 or respective medicament and/or depending onthe container 3 and/or depending on the necessary medication or thelike.

Preferably, the nebulizer 1 is adapted to nebulize a dose of 1 to 50microliters of liquid 2, even more preferably a dose of 5 to 20microliters, within one actuation/use of the nebulizer 1/within onespray/aerosol delivery/dispension.

Preferably, the container 3 can be replaced or exchanged, wherein thetotal number of uses of the nebulizer 1 and thus the number ofcontainers 3, which can be used with the same nebulizer 1, is preferablyrestricted, e.g. to a total number of four, five or six containers 3. WO2012/162305 A1 discloses additionally such a restriction to the totalnumbers of containers 3 which can be used with the same nebulizer 1.

The container 3 is preferably substantially cylindrical orcartridge-shaped and once the nebulizer 1 has been opened the container3 can be inserted therein preferably from below and changed if desired.

The container 3 is preferably of rigid construction, the liquid 2 inparticular being held in a (flexible) inner container of variablevolume, preferably a collapsible bag 4 in the container 3. Inparticular, the container 3 comprises a rigid casing 20, a fluid outletor head 21 and/or a base 22. Preferably, the container 3, casing 20 orbase 22 is provided with a venting opening or hole 23 which is openedbefore or during first use.

Preferably, the container 3 comprises in addition to the outer,preferably metallic casing 20 an inner, preferably rigid shell 28. Theshell 28 encompasses or surrounds the bag 4.

The shell 28 is preferably made of plastics and/or extends up to theoutlet or head 21.

Preferably, the shell 28 is rigidly fastened or received within thecasing 20. However, other constructional solutions are possible as well.

The bag 4 is received preferably within the shell 28 such that it cancollapse within the shell 28 when liquid 2 is withdrawn. FIG. 3 shows anintermediate state with already partially withdrawn liquid 2, i.e. withpartially collapsed bag 4 in a very schematic section.

The container 3 or bag 4 is preferably closed by a closure 30 asschematically shown in FIG. 3. It has to be noted that the container 3or closure 30 is still closed in FIG. 3, in particular the conveyingelement or tube 9 has not been inserted yet.

Further, the FIG. 3 shows the container 3 with still closed venting. Inparticular, a seal 31, such as a foil or the like, covers or seals thebase 22 or venting hole 23 of the container 3 or its casing 20. However,other constructional solutions are possible as well.

When the venting, in particular the seal 31, is open, air or any othergas can flow through the venting hole 23 into casing 20 and throughventing opening 29 into shell 28 so that pressure equalisation ispossible or achieved. In particular, negative air pressure can beavoided or at least compensated when withdrawing liquid 2 and, thus,collapsing bag 4. However, a throttle effect of the venting hole 23 andventing opening 29 may have different impact on the temporary pressuredifferences occurring during fluid withdrawal which might result in somevariation of the volume of withdrawn doses and/or might even result inthe formation or growing of any gas bubble in the liquid 2/bag 4. Thepresent invention can minimize or avoid any such effects due totemporarily pressurizing the liquid 2 and/or temporarily pumping airinto the container 3 as described later in detail.

The nebulizer 1 comprises a delivery mechanism, preferably a pressuregenerator or liquid pump 5, for conveying and nebulizing the liquid 2,particularly in a preset and optionally in an adjustable dosage amount.In particular, the pressure generator or liquid pump 5 withdraws orsucks liquid 2, namely a dose of the liquid 2, from the container 3 orits bag 4, preferably when cocking or tensioning or loading thenebulizer 1. Then, the withdrawn liquid 2 or dose of liquid 2 isdispensed, in particular pressurized and/or nebulized, preferably in asecond step after the tensioning or loading process. In particular, thenebulizer 1 comprises an energy store (preferably a drive spring 7)which is loaded (preferably tensioned) during the loading or tensioningprocess and the energy is released for nebulizing the liquid 2 or doseof liquid 2 which has been drawn into the nebulizer 1 during thetensioning or loading process. Thus, the normal use of the preferrednebulizer (1) encompasses the loading process and the dispensingprocess.

The nebulizer 1 or pressure generator/liquid pump 5 comprises preferablya holder 6 for holding the container 3, a drive spring 7 associated tothe holder 6, only partly shown, and/or a blocking element 8 preferablyin form of or with a button for preferably manual actuation ordepressing. The blocking element 8 can catch and block the holder 6 andcan be manually operated to release the holder 6 allowing drive spring 7to expand.

The nebulizer 1 or pressure generator/liquid pump 5 comprises preferablya conveying element, such as a conveying tube 9, a non-return valve 10,a pressure chamber 11 and/or a nozzle 12 for nebulizing the liquid 2into a mouthpiece 13.

The completely inserted container 3 is fixed or held in the nebulizer 1via the holder 6 such that the conveying element fluidically connectsthe container 3 or its bag 4 to the nebulizer 1 or pressuregenerator/liquid pump 5. Preferably, the conveying tube 9 penetratesinto the container 3 and/or bag 4.

The nebulizer 1 or holder 6 is preferably constructed so that thecontainer 3 can be released or exchanged.

When the drive spring 7 is axially tensioned in the tensioning processor during cocking, the holder 6 with the container 3 and the conveyingtube 9 are moved downwards in the drawings and liquid 2 is withdrawn orsucked out of the container 3 into the liquid pump 5 or its pressurechamber 11 through the non-return valve 10. In this state, the holder 6is caught by the blocking element 8 so that the drive spring 7 is keptcompressed. Then, the nebulizer 1 is in the cocked or tensioned state.

During the subsequent relaxation in the dispensing or nebulizationprocess after actuation or pressing of the blocking element 8, theliquid 2 in the pressure chamber 11 is put under pressure as theconveying tube 9 with its now closed non-return valve 10 is moved backin the pressure chamber 11, here in the drawings upwards, by therelaxation or force of the drive spring 7 and now acts as a pressing ramor piston. This pressure forces the liquid 2 through the nozzle 12,whereupon it is nebulized into the aerosol 14, as shown in FIG. 1, and,thus, dispensed.

Generally, the nebulizer 1 operates with a spring pressure of 5 to 300MPa, preferably 10 to 250 MPa on the liquid 2, and/or with a volume ofliquid 2 delivered per stroke of 10 to 50 μl, preferably 10 to 20 μl,most preferably about 15 μl.

The liquid 2 is converted into or nebulized as aerosol 14, the dropletsof which have an aerodynamic diameter of up to 20 μm, preferably 3 to 10μm. Preferably, the generated jet spray has an angle of 20° to 160°,preferably 80° to 100°. These values also apply to the nebulizer 1according to the teaching of the present invention as particularlypreferred values.

A user or patient (not shown) can inhale the aerosol 14, preferablywhile air can be sucked into the mouthpiece 13 through at least oneoptional air supply opening 15.

The nebulizer 1 comprises preferably a housing 19 and/or (upper) housingpart 16 and optionally a biasing or inner part 17 preferably which isrotatable relative thereto (FIG. 2) and/or has an upper part 17 a and alower part 17 b (FIG. 1).

The nebulizer 1 or housing 19 comprises preferably a (lower) housingpart 18. This part 18 is in particular manually operable, and/orreleasable fixed, particularly fitted or held onto the inner part 17,preferably by means of a retaining element 17 c.

Preferably, the housing parts 16 and 18 and/or other parts form thehousing 19 of the nebulizer 1.

In order to insert and/or replace the container 3, preferably thehousing 19 can be opened and/or the housing part 18 can be detached fromthe nebulizer 1, inner part 17 or housing 19.

Generally and preferably, the container 3 can be inserted before thehousing 19 is closed and/or before the housing part 18 is connected tothe housing 19. The container 3 may be inserted, opened and/orfluidically connected to the delivery mechanism or liquid pump 5automatically or simultaneously when (completely) connecting the housingpart 18 to the housing 19/nebulizer 1 and/or when (completely) closingthe housing 19/nebulizer 1. Preferably, the container 3 is open orfluidically connected when tensioning the nebulizer 1 for the first timewith the current container 3.

Preferably, the nebulizer 1 or drive spring 7 can be manually activatedor tensioned or loaded, in particular by actuation or rotation of anactuation member, here preferably by rotating housing part 18 or anyother component.

The actuation member, preferably the housing part 18, can be actuated,here rotated relative to the upper housing part 16, carrying with it ordriving the inner part 17. The inner part 17 acts on a gear ortransmission to transform the rotation in an axial movement. As a resultthe drive spring 7 is tensioned in the axial direction by means of thegear or transmission (not shown) formed between the inner part 17, inparticular its upper part 17 a, and the holder 6 and acting on theholder 6. During tensioning the container 3 and holder 6 are movedaxially downwards until the container 3 assumes an end position as shownin FIG. 2. In this activated or tensioned state the drive spring 7 isunder tension and can be caught or held by the blocking element 8.During the nebulizing process the container 3 is moved back into itsoriginal position (non-tensioned position or state shown in FIG. 1) by(the force of) the drive spring 7. Thus the container 3 executes alifting or stroke movement during the tensioning process and during thenebulizing process.

The housing part 18 preferably forms a cap-like lower housing partand/or fits around or over a lower free end portion of the container 3.As the drive spring 7 is tensioned the container 3 moves with its endportion or base 22 (further) into the housing part 18 or towards the endface thereof, while an aeration means, such as a piercing element 24arranged in the housing part 18, comes in contact with the base 22 orventing hole 23 of the container 3 and opens or pierces the container 3or a seal or foil thereon when the container 3 makes contact with it forthe first time, to allow air in or aeration, preferably by opening orpiercing venting hole 23. The venting hole 23 allows for pressurecompensation inside the container 3 when liquid 2 is drawn from thecontainer 3 during the tensioning of the nebulizer 1.

The nebulizer 1 comprises an air pump 25 for temporarily pressurizingthe liquid 2 in the container 3, in particular the bag 4 in thecontainer 3, preferably to help collapsing the bag 4 and/or tofacilitate withdrawal or sucking of liquid 2 from the container 3.

The air pump 25 is formed preferably separately from the container 3.

The air pump 25 is preferably connectable—in particular onlytemporarily—to the container 3 or its casing 20 or base 22 or ventinghole 23.

The air pump 25 is preferably arranged opposite to the liquid pump 5and/or the fluid outlet or head 21 of the container 3.

The air pump 25 is arranged or located preferably at or in the housingpart 18 and/or adjacent to the base 22 of the container 3.

Preferably, the air pump 25 comprises or is formed by a bellows 26.

Preferably, the air pump 25 or bellows 26 comprise a connecting portion27 for pneumatically connecting the air pump 25 or bellows 26 to thecontainer 3. Preferably, the connecting portion 27 is tube-like and/orcan abut against the container base 22 to form a pneumatic connection tothe aeration or venting hole 23. However, other constructional solutionsare possible as well.

Preferably, the pump body or bellows 26 is formed from an elastic and/orelastomeric material.

Preferably, the connecting portion 27 comprises or forms a sealing, suchas a flexible lip, an elastic portion or the like, cooperating with thecontainer base 22 or any other part of the container 3 for forming a(temporary) gas connection between the pump 25 and container 3. However,other constructional solutions are possible as well.

The air pump 25 or bellows 26 is preferably actuated by the movement ofthe container 3 within the nebulizer and/or the stroke-like movement ortensioning movement of the container 3.

In particular, the container 3 or its base 22 is spaced from the airpump 25 or bellows 26 or its connecting portion 27 when the nebulizer 1or container 3 is in the non-tensioned state or after nebulizing a dose.

Thus, the air pump 25 or bellow 26 is temporarily open and/ordisconnected from the container 3 or vice versa. In particular, theaeration or venting hole 23 is open or uncovered in the non-tensionedstate so that free compensation is possible between the pressure withinthe container casing 20 and the outer atmosphere.

Preferably, the stroke-like movement or tensioning movement of thecontainer 3 controls opening or filling of the pump 25.

When tensioning the nebulizer 1, the container 3 is moving towardsand/or relative to the air pump 25 or its connecting portion 27. After afirst (shorter) part of the tensioning movement, the container 3 or itsbase 22 (pneumatically) connects with the air pump 25 or its connectingportion 27. During the further or second (larger) part of the tensioningmovement, the air pump 25 or bellows 26 is actuated or compressed sothat an air pressure is generated which can directly act—here preferablyvia the connecting portion 27 and the venting hole 23—on the liquid 2 inthe container 3 or, more precisely, on the bag 4 (i.e. the flexibleinner container) within the container 3. In other words, the air pump 25pumps air into the space which is between the bag 4 and the casing20/shell 29 at the end of the tensioning process.

Preferably, the air pump 25 or bellows 26 comprises a total volumeand/or a pump volume of more than 0.1 cm³, in particular of more than0.2 cm³, and more preferably of more than 0.3 cm³.

Preferably, the pump volume of the air pump 25, i.e. here the volumedifference between the uncompressed state and the compressed state ofthe air pump 25 and/or the minimum volume of air pumped into thecontainer 3 by the air pump 25 during each actuation, is more than 3%,in particular more than 5%, most preferably more than 8%, and/or lessthan 50%, preferably less than 40%, most preferably less than 25%, ofthe air volume of the container 3 after withdrawing the medium ormaximum number of doses of liquid 2.

Preferably, the air pump 25 or bellows 26 provides a pressure increasein the container 3 (in particular in the space between the innercontainer and the casing 20 and/or shell 28) or acting on the liquid2/bag 4 of more than 25 hPa, preferably more than 40 hPa, and mostpreferably of more than 50 hPa, in particular just after tensioning thenebulizer 1.

The pressure increase mentioned above depends on the state of collapsingof the bag 4. The above values apply in particular when the bag 4 iscompletely collapsed and/or when the maximum number of withdrawn dosesof liquid 2 is reached.

The pressure acting on the bag 4 in the container 3 increases during thesecond part of the tensioning movement of the container 3, i.e. duringthe actuation of the air pump 25, until the tensioned state or endposition is reached. This pressure increase helps of facilitateswithdrawal or sucking of liquid 2 from the container 3 or its bag 4.

Preferably, the pressure decreases again, in particular automatically,during the nebulization process (preferably due to expansion of the airpump 25 or bellows 26 or due to disconnection of the air pump 25 orconnecting portion 27 from the container 3 during the nebulizationmovement of the container 3) and/or even in the tensioned state(preferably due to air leakage in particular between the connectingportion 27 and the container base 22).

Therefore, the bag 4 or liquid 2 is compressed or pressurized onlytemporarily in the container 3, preferably mainly only during thetensioning movement and/or preferably primarily only during withdrawalof a dose of liquid 2 from the container 3 or its bag 4.

After withdrawing or sucking liquid 2 from the container 3 or its bag 4,the nebulizer 1 is in the tensioned or cocked state and/or is ready fordispensing/nebulization.

After actuating or firing the nebulizer 1, preferably by actuating orpressing element 8, the pressure generator or liquid pump 5 pressurizesand dispenses the previously withdrawn dose of the liquid 2 while thecontainer 3 is moving in opposite direction and finally retracting fromthe air pump 25 and/or its connecting portion 27.

The pump 35 may be provided or connected with a check valve (not shown)allowing re-filling of the pump 25 and/or preventing any under-pressurein the pump 25, e.g. during the dispensing or actuation stroke of thenebulizer 1 so that any negative influence of the pump 25, such as aholding force acting opposite to the dispensing movement of thecontainer 3, is securely prevented.

The air pump 25 works preferably mechanically.

Preferably, the piercing element 24 is integrated into or located withinthe air pump 25 or bellows 26.

In particular, the air pump 25 and the piercing element 24 and/orhousing part 18 may form one assembled or unitary component.

Preferably, the air pump 25 is arranged in the center of the nebulizer 1and/or below the container 3 and/or axially aligned with the nebulizer 1and/or container 3.

Preferably, the air pump 25 or its bellows 26 comprises an essentiallypyramidal or conical or truncated form pointing towards the container 3or its base 22.

However, other constructal solutions and geometrical forms are possibleas well.

Preferably, the bellows 26 comprises folds which are arrangedconcentrically and/or comprise different diameters and/or are reduced indiameter towards the container 3 and/or fold alternatively in axialdirection.

The present invention allows, supports or ensures a very precisemetering and/or facilates to keep the volume of the dispensed doseshighly constant. Further, it can be prevented the formation or growingof any gas bubble within the liquid 2 or bag 4. This allows also aminimization or reduction of the total volume of liquid 2 initiallyprovided in the container 3 even if a very high number of doses such as100 or 150 doses or more are provided.

Individual features, aspects and/or principles of the embodimentdescribed may also be combined with one another as desired and may beused particularly in the shown nebulizer 1, but also in similar ordifferent nebulizers.

Unlike freestanding equipment or the like the proposed nebulizer 1 ispreferably designed to be portable and in particular is a mobile handoperated device.

The proposed solution may, however, be used not only in the nebulizers 1specifically described here but also in other nebulizers or inhalers orin other devices for the delivery of liquid formulations.

Preferably, the liquid 2 is, as already mentioned, especially an aqueouspharmaceutical formulation or an ethanolic pharmaceutical formulation.However, it may also be some other pharmaceutical formulation, asuspension or the like. Preferably, the expression liquid is to bebroadly understood to encompass fluids containing liquid, such assuspensions, suslutions, liquefied formulations and the like.

Preferred ingredients and/or formulations of the preferably medicinalliquid 2 are listed in particular in WO 2009/115200 A1, preferably onpages 25 to 40, or in EP 2 614 848 A1, paragraphs 0040 to 0087, whichare incorporated herewith by reference. In particular, these may beaqueous or non-aqueous solutions, mixtures, formulations containingethanol or free from any solvent, or the like.

List of reference numerals  1 nebulizer  2 liquid  3 container  4 bag  5pressure generator/liquid pump  6 holder  7 drive spring  8 blockingelement  9 conveying tube 10 non-return valve 11 pressure chamber 12nozzle 13 mouthpiece 14 aerosol 15 air supply opening 16 upper housingpart 17 inner part 17a upper part of inner part 17b lower part of innerpart 17c retaining element 18 housing part (lower part) 19 nebulizerhousing 20 casing 21 head 22 base 23 venting hole 24 piercing element 25air pump 26 bellows 27 connecting portion 28 shell 29 venting opening 30closure 31 seal

1. A Nebulizer (1) for nebulizing a liquid (2), comprising: areplaceable container (3) containing multiple doses of the liquid (2), aliquid pump (5) for withdrawing a dose of the liquid (2) from thecontainer (3) and pressurizing the respective dose for nebulization, anda housing part (18) which can be detached from the nebulizer (1) oropened for inserting or replacing the container (3), characterized inthat the nebulizer (1) comprises an air pump (25) connectable to thecontainer (3) for temporarily pressurizing the liquid (2) in thecontainer (3) and/or for temporarily pumping air into the container (3)to help withdrawing the liquid (2) in doses from the container (3).
 2. ANebulizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25)is arranged in and/or attached to the housing part (18).
 3. A Nebulizeraccording to claim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25) isconnectable to an outer casing (20) of the container (3), to a containerbase (22) and/or to a venting hole (23) of the container (3) or an outercasing (20) thereof.
 4. A Nebulizer according to claim 1, characterizedin that during the use of the nebulizer (1), the air pump (25) is onlytemporarily connected to the container (3).
 5. A Nebulizer according toclaim 1, characterized in that the container (3) is moveable stroke-likein the nebulizer (1) when withdrawing a dose of liquid (2) and/or whenpressurizing or dispensing a dose of the liquid (2).
 6. A Nebulizeraccording to claim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25) isactuated by a relative movement of the container (3) within a housing(19) of the nebulizer (1).
 7. A Nebulizer according to claim 1,characterized in that a relative movement of the container (3) controlsa temporary pneumatic connection of the container (3) with the air pump(25).
 8. A Nebulizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the airpump (25) comprises or is formed by a bellows (26).
 9. A Nebulizeraccording to claim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25) or abellows (26) thereof is axially and/or elastically compressible.
 10. ANebulizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25)comprises a tube-like connection portion (27) for temporarily connectingto the container (3) or a casing (20) thereof.
 11. A Nebulizer accordingto claim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25) or a connectingportion (27) thereof is axially spaced from the container (3) when thenebulizer (1) is non-tensioned or after dispensing a dose of liquid (2).12. A Nebulizer according to claim 1, characterized in that during theuse of the nebulizer (1), the air pump (25) and the liquid pump (5)pressurize alternately, in particular the air pump (25) pressurizes whentensioning or loading the nebulizer (1) and the liquid pump (5)pressurizes when dispensing or nebulizing a dose of liquid (2).
 13. ANebulizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25)or a connecting portion (27) thereof comprises or forms a seal (31)cooperating with or abutting against the container (3) or its base (22),only temporarily.
 14. A Nebulizer according to claim 1, characterized inthat the nebulizer (1) and container (3) are adapted to provide morethan 100 doses of the liquid (2).
 15. A Nebulizer according to claim 1,characterized in that the container (3) comprises a collapsible bag (4)containing the liquid (2).
 16. A Nebulizer according to claim 1,characterized in that the container comprises an inner container and asurrounding the inner container a casing (20) and/or shell (28).
 17. ANebulizer according to claim 16, characterized in that the innercontainer is a collapsible bag (4).
 18. A Nebulizer according to claim16, characterized in that the air pump is pneumatically connectable to aspace between the inner container and the casing (20) and/or shell (28).19. A Nebulizer according to claim 17, characterized in that the airpump is pneumatically connectable to a space between the inner containerand the casing (20) and/or shell (28).
 20. A Nebulizer according toclaim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25) is adapted to generatea (temporary) pressure increase of more than 25 hPa.
 21. A Nebulizeraccording to claim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25) is adaptedto generate a (temporary) pressure increase of more than 40 hPa.
 22. ANebulizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the air pump (25)is adapted to generate a (temporary) pressure increase of more than 50hPa.